The pound sterling has dropped to the weakest level in 15 months against the euro, in a move that will hit Irish exporters.

Sterling weakened to 80 pence to the euro after data showing manufacturing output in Britain stuck near the lowest level since 2013. With a Brexit vote just months away the news sent the currency weaker for a third day.

The pound passed 80 pence per euro for the first time since December 2014.

Meanwhile Reuters reported that the ECB is determined to see trading in billions of euro in European securities moved from London to markets inside the Euroarea, if Britain leaves the EU.